Samute burial in Zomba Sunday: APM, JB pay tribute

The remains of deputy chief secretary to the government Willie Samute will be interred at Songani in Zomba on Sunday and President Peter Mutharika, former president Joyce Banda have paid tribute to the experienced civil servant.

Samute died at Sunning Hill Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa early Thursday.

In a statement issued by State House Press Office, Mutharika said: “Mr Samute was a well of wisdom as he had served in the civil service for many years and was always ready to offer advice when needed. May God comfort the bereaved families during this time and may their souls rest in peace.”

Former president. Joyce Banda, who appointed Samute to the rank of Deputy Chief Secretary in 2012, said she is deeply shocked with his death.

A statement issued by press office of former preside, Banda said she wishes to convey her “deepest condolences” to the bereaved family and the entire nation following the loss of the “dedicated son of Malawi.”

Banda said Samute served the nation with “total dedication. “

Reads the statement: “The former President recalls that the late Willie Samute enjoyed tremendous respect from the international community and civil servants. In particular, the late Willie Samute enjoyed great respect from the Civil Service Union because of his negotiating skills and respect for civil servants at all levels. “

Vice-President Saulos Chilima has also extended his condolences to the Samute family, civil servants and Malawians on his death.

According to Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) principal secretary (administration) Clement Chinthu-Phiri, Samute’s body will be taken to Songani, Zomba on Saturday.

Born on February 18 1958, Samute is survived by a wife and three children. He joined the service on August 11 1981, serving in various capacities before rising to acting chief secretary to the government and then deputy chief secretary.

This is why Malawi Hospitals will never improve, top Civil Servants and Politicians going abroad for treatment or to die. My condolence to the family but we need to treat every body the same so that those in power can feel the same pain every Malawi feels due lack of good health facilities. This is the only way we will have some improvement.